A support bracket for a shelf, kit and shelving unit

Abstract

Support bracket (1) for a shelf (P) of a shelving unit (S), extending along a main axis (X), comprising an interconnection portion (2), connected, during use, to an upright (M) of the shelving unit (S), and a support portion (3), adjacent to the interconnection portion (2) along the main axis (X), comprising a housing seat (3a) configured to receive by insertion an end portion (E) of the shelf (P) of the shelving unit (S). The housing seat (3a) defines a linear path, parallel to the main axis (X), inside which, during use, the end portion (E) of the shelf (P) is slidable, and the interconnection portion (2) defines, during use, a rotation axis of the bracket (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a support bracket for a shelf of a shelving unit.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a support kit for a shelf and a shelving unit comprising the aforesaid kit or a plurality of the aforesaid brackets.

[0003] The present invention therefore finds application in the field of the storage of articles. "Articles" can be understood as objects of various types, loose or contained in special containers such as, for example, boxes.

[0004] A shelving unit generally consists of pairs of uprights, sometimes connected to each other by means of crossbars, on which shelves are arranged at different levels (i.e., at different heights along the upright), configured during use to support the articles.

[0005] Generally, the known shelves are arranged so as to define horizontal or inclined planes.

[0006] However, there may be a need to modify the arrangement of a shelf, switching it from horizontal to inclined or vice versa, or making it necessary to modify the inclination.

[0007] Unfortunately, given the finite size of the shelves, a shelf already designed for horizontal use cannot be inclined and, conversely, an inclined shelf arranged horizontally would occupy more space than that allowed, thus generating unwanted encumbrances.

[0008] Devices are known which allow changing the inclination of the shelf, but they are difficult to manufacture or install and are also expensive from a production point of view and / or from a point of view of installation costs. The technical task of the present invention is thus to provide a support bracket for a shelf, a kit and a shelving unit which are able to overcome the drawbacks that have emerged from the prior art.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a support bracket for a shelf, a kit and a shelving unit which allow an easy change of inclination of the shelf.

[0010] Therefore, a further object of the present invention is to provide a support bracket for a shelf, a kit and a shelving unit which are inexpensive and easy to install.

[0011] The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a support bracket for a shelf, a kit and a shelving unit comprising the technical features disclosed in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0012] In particular, the specified technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a support bracket for a shelf of a shelving unit, extending along a main axis. The staff comprises an interconnection portion, connected, during use, to an upright of the shelving unit, and a support portion, adjacent to the interconnection portion along the main axis, comprising a housing seat configured to receive by insertion an end portion of the shelf of the shelving unit.

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, the housing seat defines a linear path, parallel to the main axis, inside which, during use, the end portion of the shelf is slidable, and the interconnection portion defines, during use, a rotation axis of the bracket.

[0014] Advantageously, the bracket is capable of rotating by means of the interconnection portion along a rotation axis defined on the upright on which the bracket itself is mounted. Such a rotation allows the shelf to be rotated, which, free to move inside the housing seat of the bracket, can be adjusted to be connected to a further upright which would otherwise not have been reachable given the limited dimensions of the shelf itself.

[0015] The specified technical task and the specified objects are further achieved by a support kit for a shelf of a shelving unit, comprising a plurality of brackets subject-matter of the present invention, a respective plurality of fastening means configured, during use, to fasten the interconnection portion to an upright of a shelving unit and a respective plurality of constraining means configured, during use, to constrain the support portion to the end portion of the shelf.

[0016] The specified technical task and the specified objects are further achieved by a shelving unit for supporting articles, for example boxes or containers, comprising a main structure comprising uprights arranged in rows of two, a plurality of shelves set at different heights relative to the uprights of the main structure, a plurality of brackets subject-matter of the present invention, a respective plurality of fastening means configured, during use, to fasten the interconnection portion to an upright of the main structure and a respective plurality of constraining means configured, during use, to constrain the support portion to the end portion of the shelf.

[0017] Each shelf has four end portions, each connected or connectable to a respective upright.

[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, a pair of end portions is reversibly connected to respective uprights of a first row and a further pair of end portions is connected, by the fastening means, to respective brackets which are in turn connected by the constraining means to respective uprights of a second row.

[0019] In a configuration of use, an inclination of each shelf relative to a horizontal configuration, coinciding with a zero inclination of the shelf, can be adjusted by rotating the respective brackets and translating the end portions inside the respective housing seats.

[0020] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of an embodiment of a support bracket for a shelf, a kit and a shelving unit. Such a description will be set out below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided solely for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a pair of brackets subject-matter of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a shelf provided with the pair of brackets of Figure 1; Figures 3 and 4 are schematic views of a shelving unit subject-matter of the present invention.

[0021] With reference to the appended figures, 1 indicates in its entirety a support bracket for a shelf "P" of a shelving unit "S" which, for simplicity of description, will be referred to below as the bracket 1.

[0022] The bracket 1 has a mainly linear extension. Therefore, the bracket 1 extends along a main axis "X".

[0023] During use, the bracket 1 can be connected to an upright "M" of the shelving unit "S". The upright "M" is perforated and the holes are distributed along the entire height (i.e., length) of the upright "M" defining the levels on which to mount the bracket 1. That is, holes arranged at the same height of two or more uprights "M" define a level.

[0024] The bracket 1 comprises an interconnection portion 2, connected, during use, to an upright "M" of the shelving unit "S".

[0025] Preferably, the interconnection portion 2 comprises a connection hole 2a. Even more preferably, the connection hole 2a can further define a linear path, configured, during use, to achieve a translation of the bracket 1 itself with respect to the upright "M".

[0026] In the preferred form illustrated in Figure 1, the connection hole 2a is preferably a window made in the shape of a slot, obtained from a pair of holes spaced apart from each other along an axis, so as to make it easier for the connection hole 2a to face the hole made on the upright "M". During use, the connection hole 2a is aligned with a hole of the respective upright "M" on which the bracket 1 will be mounted so as to then use special fastening means to stabilise the bracket 1 at the specific level of the upright "M" on which the shelf "P" is to be mounted.

[0027] Preferably, the interconnection portion 2 comprises a first wall 2b and a second wall 2c which is parallel to the first wall 2b. The two walls 2b and 2c are connected to each other by means of a further wall 2d, precisely defining a "C" section together with the first 2b and the second wall 2c.

[0028] The first wall 2b comprises the connection hole 2a and the second wall 2c has a recess 2e, coaxial with the connection hole 2a, and defining an access portion to the connection hole 2a. Coaxial means that the recess 2e is centred on the connection hole 2a so as to be facing and aligned with the latter. That is, the second wall 2c or recess 2e allows easy access to the connection hole 2a so as to be able to easily mount / dismount the bracket 1 (i.e., the interconnection portion 2) to the upright "M".

[0029] In the preferred form illustrated in Figure 1, the first wall 2b has a connection hole 2a shaped like a slot-shaped window and the second wall 2c has a recess 2e, defining an access portion to the connection hole 2a, in the shape of an opening, with a shape counter-shaped to that of the connection hole 2a, so as to be facing and aligned with the latter to allow easy access to the connection hole 2a.

[0030] The bracket 1 further comprises a support portion 3 adjacent to the interconnection portion 2 along the main axis "X".

[0031] The support portion 3 comprises a housing seat 3a configured to receive by insertion an end portion "E" of the shelf "P" of said shelving unit "S". The housing seat 3a extends parallel to the main axis "X".

[0032] Therefore, the housing seat 3a defines a linear path, parallel to the main axis "X", inside which, during use, the end portion "E" of the shelf "P" is slidable. Preferably, the shelf "P" is constrained to slide inside the housing seat 3a by special constraining means "V".

[0033] In this context, the interconnection portion 2 defines, during use, a rotation axis of the bracket 1.

[0034] Thereby, it is possible to adjust a shelf "P" which is mounted to the bracket 1. In particular, it is possible to achieve a rotation of the bracket 1 with respect to the upright "M" and, after or simultaneously with such a rotation, achieve a translation of the shelf "P" or of the end portion "E" so that it can be fastened to a further upright "M" with a desired inclination relative to a planar arrangement (i.e., a horizontal configuration) of the shelf "P". Preferably, the connection hole 2a can further define a linear path of reduced extent with respect to an extent of the linear path defined by the housing seat 3a.

[0035] Preferably, the support portion 3 comprises at least one support edge 3b extending transversely relative to the main axis "X" (with reference to an actual use configuration of the bracket 1).

[0036] The support edge 3b is configured, during use, to retain the end portion "E".

[0037] Preferably, the support portion 3 further comprises a slide wall 3c, configured to guide a sliding of the end portion "E" of the shelf "P" along the main axis "X".

[0038] The slide wall 3c has the housing seat 3a.

[0039] Preferably, the support portion 3 comprises two support edges 3b which, together with the slide wall 3c, define a "C" section. That is, the two support edges 3b extend transversely (i.e., perpendicularly) to the slide wall 3c, slidably constraining, together with the housing seat 3a, the shelf "P". Therefore, one support edge 3b extends on an upper portion of the slide wall 3c and rests on the shelf "P" while the other support edge 3b extends on a lower portion of the slide wall 3c and supports the shelf "P". Preferably, the interconnection portion 2 and the support portion 3 are interconnected by means of an interconnection edge 4 extending along the main axis "X". Preferably, the interconnection edge 4 extends transversely relative to the interconnection portion 2 and the support portion 3 (parallel to each other).

[0040] Preferably, the interconnection edge 4 is at least partially defined by the support edge 3b of the support portion 3.

[0041] Even more preferably, the interconnection edge 4 at least partially comprises the wall 2d and one of the support edges 3b.

[0042] That is, the shelf "P" or the end portion "E" is at least partially supported by the interconnection edge 4.

[0043] Preferably, the interconnection portion 2 and the support portion 3 define a single monolithic body. That is, the interconnection portion 2 and the support 3 are made in one piece and extend at least partially on a plane passing through the main axis "X". Preferably, the first wall 2b and the sliding wall 3c.

[0044] Advantageously, the bracket 1 allows to obtain a tool which is easy to install and which allows a simplified adjustment of the shelf 1 so as to be able to obtain a desired inclination thereof which is different from the horizontal one.

[0045] The present invention further relates to a support kit for a shelf "P" of a shelving unit "S", comprising a plurality of brackets 1 as described above.

[0046] The kit further comprises a respective plurality of fastening means. The fastening means is configured, during use, to fasten the interconnection portion 2 of a bracket 1 to an upright "M" of a shelving unit "S". Fastening means can be understood as screws, bolts and other similar means which can be inserted inside the connection hole 2a and the respective hole of the upright "M" to achieve a stable connection between the bracket 1 and the upright. In particular, the fastening means is suitable to allow a rotation of the bracket 1 around a rotation axis defined by the connection hole 2a itself. That is, the fastening means defines a pin around which the bracket 1 rotates.

[0047] The kit further comprises a respective plurality of constraining means "V" configured, during use, to constrain the support portion 3 to the end portion "E" of the shelf "P". Constraining means "V" can be understood as screws, bolts and other similar means which can be inserted inside the housing seat 3a and which are constrained by the end portion "E". In particular, the constraining means "V" defines a sliding element inside the housing seat 3a so as to allow a sliding of the shelf "P".

[0048] Advantageously, the above kit is inexpensive and intuitive to install, even in pre-existing shelving units. That is, the kit can also be understood as an "upgrading kit" for existing shelving units.

[0049] The present invention further relates to a shelving unit "S" for supporting articles, for example boxes or containers, comprising a main structure comprising uprights "M" arranged in rows of two and transverse elements "T" arranged to connect uprights "M" of one row with respective uprights "M" of an adjacent row.

[0050] The shelving unit "S" further comprises a plurality of shelves "P" set at different heights relative to the uprights "M" of the main structure. It should be noted that the crossbars "T" are mounted parallel relative to one side of the shelves "P" where the end portions "E" are present.

[0051] The shelving unit "S" further comprises a plurality of brackets 1 as described above, a respective plurality of fastening means configured, during use, to fasten the interconnection portion 2 to an upright "M" and a respective plurality of constraining means "V" configured, during use, to constrain the support portion 3 to the end portion "E" of the shelf "P".

[0052] The shelves "P" are therefore set at different levels relative to the respective rows of uprights "M" and have a generally square or rectangular shape. In particular, each shelf "P" has four end portions "E", each connected or connectable to a respective upright "M".

[0053] A pair of end portions "E" is reversibly connected to respective uprights "M" of a first row.

[0054] A further pair of end portions "E" is connected, by the constraining means "V", to respective brackets 1 which are in turn connected by the fastening means to respective uprights "M" of a second row.

[0055] In a configuration of use, an inclination of each shelf "P" can be adjusted by rotating the respective brackets 1 and translating the end portions "E" inside the respective housing seats 3a.

[0056] The above inclination can be adjusted relative to a horizontal configuration coinciding with a zero inclination of the shelf "P". That is, a zero inclination coincides with an inclination in which the shelves "P" are connected to parallel holes of the respective uprights of both the first row and the second row.

[0057] Therefore, an inclination of the shelf "P" is obtained with a lifting of the end portions "E" in which the brackets 1 are not present and a reversible connection thereof on holes defined in raised levels of the first row of uprights "M".

[0058] That is, during use, a user who intends to modify an inclination of the shelves "P" will disconnect the end portions "E" from the uprights "M" of the first row, achieve a rotation thereof by rotating the bracket 1 and subsequently move the shelf "P" (i.e., the end portions "E") inside the housing seats 3a of the bracket 1 so as to again reach, with the end portions "E" free from the brackets 1, the uprights "M" of the first row. That is, the brackets 1 allow, by moving the shelf inside the housing seat 3a, to overcome the drawbacks related to the finished shape of the shelf, allowing an adjustment in inclination thereof without the need for complex devices or to completely disassemble the shelving unit "S".

[0059] Preferably, each shelf "P" can be inclined by an inclination of up to 30° relative to the horizontal configuration. That is, the sliding of the shelf "P" inside the housing seat 3a allows the end portions "E" free from the brackets 1, to be reconnected to the uprights "M" of the first row as long as the inclination of the end portions "E" themselves is comprised within 30° relative to the horizontal configuration.

[0060] Preferably, where the connection hole 2a itself defines a linear guide, it would be possible to further incline the respective shelf "P" or in any case facilitate an adjustment thereof.

[0061] Advantageously, the present invention is capable of overcoming the drawbacks which have emerged from the prior art.

[0062] Advantageously, the present invention allows to easily change an inclination of the shelf.

[0063] Advantageously, the brackets 1 are inexpensive and easy to install, thus allowing to obtain an inexpensive shelving unit "S" and easily customisable as regards the inclinations of the shelves "P".

Claims

1. A support bracket (1) for a shelf (P) of a shelving unit (S), extending along a main axis (X), comprising: - an interconnection portion (2), connected, during use, to an upright (M) of said shelving unit (S) - a support portion (3), adjacent to the interconnection portion (2) along the main axis (X), and comprising a housing seat (3a) configured to receive by insertion an end portion (E) of the shelf (P) of said shelving unit (S), characterised in that the housing seat (3a) defines a linear path, parallel to said main axis (X), inside which, during use, the end portion (E) of the shelf (P) is slidable, and in that the interconnection portion (2) defines, during use, a rotation axis of said bracket (1).

2. The bracket (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support portion (3) comprises: - at least one support edge (3b) extending transversely to the main axis (X) and configured, during use, to retain the end portion (E), - a slide wall (3c), configured to guide a sliding of the end portion (E) of the shelf (P) along the main axis (X), said slide wall (3c) having said insertion seat (3a).

3. The bracket (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said interconnection portion (2) and said support portion (3) are interconnected by means of an interconnection edge (4) extending along said main axis (X).

4. The bracket (1) according to claim 2 and 3, wherein said interconnection edge (4) is at least partly defined by said support edge (3b) of the support portion (3).

5. The bracket (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said interconnection portion (2) comprises a connection hole (2a) configured, during use, to achieve a translation of the bracket (1) itself relative to the upright (M), said connection hole (2a) preferably further defining a linear path with a smaller extent compared to the extent of the linear path defined by the housing seat (3a).

6. The bracket (1) according to claim 5, wherein said interconnection portion (2) comprises a first wall (2b) and a second wall (2c) parallel to the first wall (2b), wherein the first wall (2b) comprises said connection hole (2a) and said second wall (2c) has a recess (2e) coaxial with or facing said connection hole (2a) and defining a portion for access to said connection hole (2a).

7. The bracket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interconnection portion (2) and the support portion (3) define a single monolithic body.

8. A support kit for a shelf (P) of a shelving unit (S), comprising: - a plurality of brackets (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims; - a respective plurality of fastening means configured, during use, to fasten the interconnection portion (2) to an upright (M) of a shelving unit (S); - a respective plurality of constraining means (V) configured, during use, to constrain the support portion (3) to the end portion (E) of the shelf (P).

9. A shelving unit (S) for supporting articles, for example boxes or containers, comprising: - a main structure comprising uprights (M) arranged in rows of two; - a plurality of shelves (P) set at different heights relative to said uprights (M) of the main structure; - a plurality of brackets (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7; - a respective plurality of fastening means configured, during use, to fasten the interconnection portion (2) of a bracket (1) to a respective upright (M); - a respective plurality of constraining means (V) configured, during use, to constrain the support portion (3) of a bracket (1) to the end portion (E) of the shelf (P); wherein each shelf (P) has four end portions (E), each connected or connectable to a respective upright (M), wherein a pair of end portions (E) is reversibly connected to the respective uprights (M) of a first row and a further pair of end portions (E) is connected, by means of said constraining means (V), to respective brackets (1) which are in turn connected by the fastening means to respective uprights (M) of a second row; wherein, in a configuration of use, an inclination of each shelf (P) relative to a horizontal configuration, coinciding with a zero inclination of the shelf (P), can be adjusted by rotating the respective brackets (1) and translating the end portions (E) inside the respective housing seats (3a).

10. The shelving unit (S) according to claim 9, wherein each shelf (P) can be inclined by an inclination of up to 30° relative to said horizontal configuration.

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